In the midst of nationwide protests in solidarity with Palestinians, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has reported that a significant portion of the individuals arrested at pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Columbia University and City College of New York (CCNY) were not affiliated with these institutions. This comes as Mayor Adams continues to face criticism regarding his statements attributing the police response to "outside agitators."

According to the NYPD, approximately 29% of those arrested at pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University were deemed "not affiliated" with the institution. Similarly, 60% of the individuals taken into custody at CCNY were also found to be unrelated to either the college or the protests that unfolded on and off-campus. The numbers were part of a larger trend, with police across the US arresting nearly 2,200 people in 43 different locations during a week of heightened tension and unrest.

The NYPD's statement was released on Thursday evening and highlighted that out of the 112 protesters arrested at Columbia University, 80 were confirmed to be students. At CCNY, 68 out of the 170 arrestees were also identified as students. However, questions have arisen concerning how the police department determined the "unaffiliated" status and whether all arrests took place on college grounds.

Meanwhile, protests continued to unfold at various campuses nationwide. At the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), officers clashed with demonstrators, leading to the arrest of over 200 protesters. In Portland, Oregon, police arrested at least seven people who had occupied the state university's library, while on Long Island at Stony Brook University, a gathering took place in support of the 29 individuals arrested during previous protests.

In reaction to the escalating events, the NYPD initiated operations at New York University and the New School, arresting 13 and 43 people, respectively. Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry maintained the notion of external influences organizing the protests, stating that "somebody is funding this" and "radicalizing our students," pointing to alleged literature and leaflets found at the campuses.

While law enforcement authorities have praised the police actions, there have been incidents that raised concerns. The NYPD confirmed that an officer accidentally discharged their firearm during operations at Columbia University's Hamilton Hall, fortunately without causing any injuries.

The nationwide protests stem from demands for a complete ceasefire in Gaza and divestment from companies with ties to Israel. Students at Princeton University in New Jersey announced a hunger strike as part of their Palestinian solidarity encampment, calling for dissociation, divestment, and protection for protesters against potential repercussions.

As the protests unfold, tensions have escalated between supporters and critics of Israel, with accusations of antisemitism being raised against the protest movement. President Joe Biden broke his silence on the matter, defending the right to free speech while emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and safety on campuses.

While the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the ongoing protests will shape discussions on foreign policy and the rights of protestors in the United States.